Big 12 will limit contact days to just twice a week, including games

The Big 12 is strengthening its stance on player safety by limiting its contact days to just two days a week, including game day.

That means, players who play on Saturdays will engage in full-contact practices just once a week, while players who don’t play on Saturdays will have contact during two practices.

By limiting the contact players endure, the Big 12 is hoping to reduce the number of injuries sustained and keep players fresher during the season.

“The Big 12 Conference continues to take the lead in the area of player safety as the first conference to enact more restrictive contact polices than currently permitted,” commissioner Bob Bowlsby said. “Our policy is a 33-percent reduction in the number of contact opportunities allowed under NCAA guidelines. Limiting the number of live contact practices and giving medical practitioners unchallengeable authority on return to play decisions unequivocally demonstrates the commitment of our membership to the health and safety of Big 12 student-athletes. I applaud our athletics directors on implementing an industry leading approach.”

The Pac-12 actually spearheaded the major conference limited contact movement in 2013 when it said it would limit its contact practices to twice a week, something only the Ivy League was doing at the time. The NCAA shortly followed suit. The NCAA currently allows teams to have two contact practice days in addition to game day.

The Big 12 also said it would grant medical staff autonomy in determining whether a player can return to competition following illness or injury. Coaches will not be allowed to hire or have influence over any member of the medical staff.

In addition to player safety, Bowlsby also said the conference is trying to keep fans safe as well, but aren’t going to temper their excitement in doing so.

Bowlsby said the conference has decided not to prohibit court and field storming by fans.

“We’re choosing to manage it rather than prohibit it,” Bowlsby said.

While Bowlsby didn’t give specifics about the enforcement, it’s likely that each school will be required to have safety measures in place to protect the fans, athletes and coaches following big games.

Two months ago, Bowlsby said fines and the loss of future home games were possible if schools were not able to control their fans.

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Graham Watson is the editor of Dr. Saturday on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email her at dr.saturday@ymail.com or follow her on Twitter! Follow @YahooDrSaturday

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